Spruce up your iTunes this spring
THE music scene is heating up this Spring with a bunch of new records coming out (Fifty Shades of Grey, the album anyone?) and some pretty big name artists heading down under (Coldplay, Good Charlotte & more). Juliana Mare keeps you in the loop.
New albums
To kick things off, these artists will be delighting your eardrums with their new albums this spring:
David Guetta: Nothing But The Beat 2.0
He’s the biggest name in house music at the moment and has collaborated with some of the music industry’s most popular artists – Usher, Nicki Minaj, Flo Rida and Taio Cruz. Guetta’s Grammy Award winning album Nothing But The Beat was re-released on September 7 with more than 20 tracks including the new single She Wolf featuring Aussie artist Sia.
Fifty Shades of Grey: The Classical Album
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ll know that the romance slash pseudo-erotic novel Fifty Shades of Grey is all the rage at the moment. Fans of the series will be thrilled with the new release of The Classical Album on September 14 – a soundtrack to accompany the books, compiled by the author herself. Who knew classical music could be so sexy?
R.E.M: Document ‘Remastered and Expanded’ 25th Anniversary Edition
Famous for their hit songs “Losing My Religion” and “Everybody Hurts”, American alternative rock band R.E.M are reissuing their fifth studio album Document on September 21. The two-disc CD includes remastered tracks, previously unheard live recordings from their 1987 show in Holland and linear notes. An added bonus for all the vintage musos out there – this album is also available on vinyl.
The Beach Boys: Fifty Big Ones ‘Greatest Hits’
The Beach Boys are just one of those bands you just can’t stop your foot from tapping along to, even if you’re not familiar with the song. With a career spanning over several decades, this iconic American pop rock group is releasing a “Greatest Hits” album on September 21 and it’s one monster of a CD. With a massive 50 songs over two discs, it’s got all the classic hits including “Surfin’ USA” and “Good Vibrations”.
Van Morrison: Born To Sing: No Plan B
After a four year dry spell, Van Morrison is releasing a highly anticipated new album on October 5. He’s got a little bit of soul, R&B, bluesy rock and some impressive song-writing skills to boot. With 10 new songs, Morrison’s 35th solo studio album is definitely one for the iPod.
Live acts
What better way to blow a week’s wages than by buying concert tickets?
Coldplay
The British rock superstars are heading down under for one massive show at Etihad Stadium on November 13. From the soft rock song “Yellow” that launched them into fame in 2000 to the catchy rock single “Paradise” of their fifth studio album Mylo Xyloto in 2011, Coldplay is easily recognised as one of the biggest bands in the music industry. Definitely a show you do not want to miss! Aussie indie band The Temper Trap, famous for their hit “Love Lost”, is supporting which is just an added bonus.
Good Charlotte
It’s hard to resist the mischievous, boyish charm of Joel and Benji Madden – front-men of this American pop punk band. Don’t be deterred by the bad-boy attitude, piercings and tattoos because these guys have some of the catchiest punk songs going around. Don’t miss their gig at Festival Hall on September 20.
Angus Stone
One half of the brother-sister duo hailing from Sydney, Angus Stone is touring the country on his first solo tour to promote his album “Broken Brights”. He’s got a unique blend of rock, folk and bluesy arrangements that are bound to impress, even if you don’t find his hippie-esque slash hipster look all that appealing. Stone is playing at the Palace Theatre on November 22.
Lady Antebellum
This Grammy-award winning trio from Nashville is bringing country music into the mainstream. The band has toured with Country music’s biggest Aussie artist Keith Urban and has added a second and final Melbourne show at the Palais, after selling out the first on September 25. They may have won their Grammy in a Country music category but don’t worry, cowboy boots aren’t necessary because their songs are a clever fusion of upbeat rock n’ roll with a tad of classic country on the side.